Midjourney's parameters can make the difference between an ordinary output and a mesmerizing masterpiece. From the nuanced strokes of style and chaos to the precise adjustments of aspect and quality, each parameter unlocks new artistic possibilities.
In this article, we will cover every Midjourney parameter and thoroughly explain each. You can open Discord alongside and try out the examples provided. Well, if you've signed up for a Midjourney subscription.
What Are Midjourney Parameters?
Midjourney parameters are potent tools. These add-ons to your Midjourney prompts can heavily influence the outcome of your prompt. When used incisively, Midjourney parameters can build images closely aligned with your vision or purpose.
Parameters allow you to tailor the AI's output to your specific needs or creative vision. They offer more control over the image generation. Some parameters influence artistic aspects like style, detail, and image composition (--style, --tile, --iw, etc) while some are behavioral parameters that modify how the AI interprets your prompts (--chaos, --weird, --no).
Note that in Midjourney, parameters are always added to the end of a prompt. You can add multiple parameters to each prompt.
Aspect Ratios
The --aspect or --ar parameter is used to specify the aspect ratio of the generated image. The aspect ratio defines an image's width-to-height ratio, affecting its shape.
The general format for using this parameter is --aspect X:Y or --ar X:Y, where X and Y are numbers representing the width and height dimensions, respectively.
In our Midjourney prompt generator, we accommodate a variety of aspect ratios that are frequently encountered in real-life photography and images. These include square formats like 1:1, traditional ratios such as 5:4 and 3:2, wider cinematic styles like 7:4 and 16:9, panoramic views at 2:1, as well as vertical orientations like 9:16 and 1:2.
Use Cases of --ar
- Fitting Specific Requirements: Different platforms or projects might require a specific aspect ratio. For example, a YouTube video thumbnail (16:9).
- Aesthetic Appeal: The correct aspect ratio can enhance the visual appeal of an image, making it more engaging for the viewer.
- Content Emphasis: Certain aspect ratios can better emphasize the intended message or focus of the image.
Example: --ar 16:9
Chaos
Chaos (--chaos) is a Midjourney parameter that influences the level of randomness or unpredictability. When you use chaos, it's like throwing a wrench in the works. It influences how much Midjourney's algorithm deviates from a literal interpretation of your prompt.
You can use the chaos parameter by adding a value to your prompt. The value typically ranges; the higher the value, the more 'chaotic' or unpredictable the results.
Use Cases of --chaos
- Creativity Boost: Higher chaos values can produce more abstract, unique, or unconventional imagery.
- Fine-Tuning Artistic Style: Adjusting chaos can help achieve a more artistic or surreal look depending on the desired outcome.
- Experimentation: It’s great for when you want to explore different visual interpretations of a prompt.
Examples: --chaos 100 vs chaos 25
Image Weight
Image Weight (--iw) in Midjourney influences how strongly the AI considers certain aspects of your prompt. It's like telling the AI to pay more attention to specific elements or themes in your description.
This parameter typically assigns weights to different parts of your prompt. You can add numerical values next to the elements you want to emphasize.
Note that image weight doesn’t work the same in every version of Midjourney. The image weight parameter was first introduced in v3 and supported values of -10,000 to 10,000. It was then removed in v4 and brought back later in Midjourney v5 with a limited range of 0 to 2.0.
Use Cases of --iw
- Balanced Representation: Ensures that all aspects of your prompt are appropriately represented.
- Creative Control: Gives you more influence over the final output.
Examples: --iw 2 vs --iw 0.5
I am using the street image below for my next two prompts - one with weight of 0.5 and the other with weight of 2.
Prompt: [image link] a glowing pokemon running on the street.
Notice how changes in --iw parameter adjusted the image output. For higher image weight (left), the pokemon wears a monk robe (Kasaya) and pedestrians wear a cap.
Examples: --iw 0.25 vs --iw 0.5 vs --iw 1.0
In the following example, I am using a picture of Minangkabau house and try to place it inside a terrarium bottle.
Prompt: [image link] minangkabau house in a bottle, dark background
Examples: --iw 0.5 vs --iw 1.0 vs --iw 1.5 vs --iw 2.0
Next, a picture of car (Honda Civic Type R) is used for my image prompt - with the weight tilting from 0.5 to 2.0.
Prompt: [image link] a 16:1 lego toy car on table
No
The No (--no) parameter is used to exclude certain elements from the image generation. This is especially useful to ensure the AI avoids specific themes, objects, or styles in the output. To use the No parameter, add it before the elements you wish to exclude in your command.
Use Cases of --no
- Content Control: To avoid unwanted elements or themes in your images.
- Refining Results: Helps fine-tune the AI's output by clearly stating what you don't want.
- Creative Precision: Assists in achieving a more accurate representation of your vision.
Example: --no chocolate
Quality
Quality (--quality) in Midjourney adjusts how much time is spent generating an image, which as a result, adjusts the level of detail and refinement in the generated images. A higher-quality setting results in more detailed and nuanced images. The Quality parameter is typically used by specifying a value (0.25, 0.5, and 1) that indicates the desired level of quality.
Note that higher --quality settings aren't always better. For a funky abstract vibe, try lower settings. But craving detailed architecture? Crank it up. Match the setting to your image's mood!"
Use Cases of --quality
- Conceptualization: Ideal for initial concept creation when detail isn't crucial or when creating artwork that requires fine/abstract details.
Example: --quality 0.25 vs --quality 1
Seed
The Seed parameter in Midjourney is more technical. The Midjourney bot uses a seed number to create a field of visual noise, like television static, as a starting point to generate the initial image grids. Seed numbers are generated randomly for each image but can be specified with the --seed or --sameseed parameter. Using the same seed number and prompt will produce similar ending images.
Seed parameter sets the initial conditions for the random number generator used by the AI. Using the same seed value with the same prompt will generate the same image.
How to get the seed number of your Midjourney job?
To get the seed number for a past image, copy the job ID and use the /show command with that ID to revive the Job. You can then react to the newly regenerated Job with an ✉️ envelope emoji.
To use the Seed parameter, add it to your command with a specific numeric value.
Use Cases of --Seed
- Consistency: Useful for recreating the same image or style, especially in a series.
- Control Over Randomness: Allows you to manage the unpredictability inherent in AI generation.
- Reproducing Favorites: Handy when you've found a specific style or result you want to replicate.
Examples: Different Prompts, Same Seeds
Using the same seed number we can generate photos of the same person in different environment.
Stop
The Stop (--stop) parameter, range from 10 to 100, in Midjourney is used to halt or limit the AI's processing at a certain point. Stopping a Midjourney job at an earlier percentage can create blurrier, less detailed results.
To use the Stop parameter, you typically add it to your command with a value indicating at which stage you want the AI to stop processing.
Use Cases of --Stop
- Control Over Processing: Allows you to stop the image generation at a specific point to maintain a particular aesthetic or level of detail.
- Time Efficiency: Saves time by preventing unnecessary processing.
- Preserving Desired Results: Ideal for capturing an image in its current state without further modifications.
Example: --stop 10 vs --stop 100
Style
Style parameter (--style) in Midjourney replaces the original aesthetic qualities. Adding a style parameter can help you create more photo-realistic images, cinematic scenes, or cuter characters.
To use the Style parameter, you include it in your prompt with a description of the desired style.
Parameters value in Style
Default Model Version 5.2 and the previous version 5.1 accept --style raw.
Model Version Niji 5 accepts --style cute --style scenic --style original or --style expressive.
Use Cases of --Style
- Artistic Direction: Helps achieve a specific artistic look or feel in the image.
- Creative Exploration: Great for experimenting with different artistic styles.
- Enhancing Mood or Theme: Useful for aligning the visual style with the mood or theme of the subject.
Example: --style raw vs default
Stylize
The Stylize parameter, range from 0 - 1000 (default 100), influences how strongly Midjourney's default aesthetic style is applied to jobs.
Use Cases of --Stylize
- Intensity Control: Allows you to adjust the level of "beautification" you want from Midjourney.
- Customization: Offers more nuanced control over the final look of the image.
Example: --s 10 vs --s 1000
Tile
The Tile (--tile) parameter in Midjourney is used to create images that can be tiled seamlessly. When this parameter is applied, the AI generates an image that can be repeated side-by-side, This generation is also without noticeable seams or breaks, creating a continuous pattern.
To use the Tile parameter, you include it in your command. It typically doesn't require a specific value; its presence activates the tiling function.
Use Cases of --Tile
- Creating Patterns: Ideal for designing backgrounds, wallpapers, or textures.
- Seamless Repetition: Ensures that the image can be repeated endlessly without disruption.
- Consistent Aesthetic: Useful for projects that require a uniform or continuous visual theme.
Examples
Here are some tiled images I made with the prompt "kangaroo --tile".
And here's a pattern I made by duplicating and merging one of the tiled images above.
Weird
The Weird parameter (--weird), range from 0 to 3,000, in Midjourney introduces strangeness or surrealism to the images. It's like a wildcard - prompting the AI to deviate from conventional imagery and explore more unusual or bizarre visual themes.
It's fun experimenting with the --weird parameter when you have some extra fast hour on hand.
Use Cases of --Weird
- Creative Unpredictability: Ideal for generating unconventional or avant-garde images.
- Just for fun: It's fun experimenting with the --weird parameter when you have some extra fast hour on hand.
Example: --weird 3000
Final Thoughts
Parameters in Mijourney is an evolving aspect. Rather than give you a stock spiel to wind down this article, I'd like to leave you with some thoughts on using Midjourney prompts:
- Know what you want to achieve with your image. Whether it's a specific style, mood, or concept, your objective will guide your choice of parameters.
- Avoid using too many parameters at once. It can lead to conflicting instructions and muddy results. Aim for a balance between guidance and freedom for the AI.
- Don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations of parameters. Sometimes, the most surprising and delightful results come from unexpected parameter mixes.
